When contemplating the type of pet you’d like to welcome into your family, you might skip over cats and dogs if you’re looking for something unique and exotic. Rather than considering truly exotic species, such as lions, tigers, and bears, which do not make good pets, nor are legal to own in Florida, opt for exotic pet species, such as pocket pets, amphibians, birds, and others.

When you’re looking into bringing home an exotic pet, you have a great deal to consider. While they have the same basic needs as cats and dogs, each exotic species has unique needs that you must meet to maintain their health, happiness, and well-being. Before bringing home an exotic pet simply because they are rare or interesting, research what they need to ensure you can maintain their health and quality of life. The Old 41 Animal Hospital team recommends you factor in the considerations we discuss here when searching for an exotic pet.

Exotic pet characteristics

When researching exotic pet species, learning the sheer number of species you can legally bring into your home can easily overwhelm you. However, just because you can legally own a certain species, such a pet’s care may not be easy to provide. Many exotic species present unique nutrition, environment, and veterinary care challenges.

When considering an exotic pet species that would best fit with your family, find out about the size, temperament, life span, and dietary requirements. For example, a female ball python can reach 5 feet in length, live for 30 years, and subsist on a live-rodent diet. If you do not have the space to house such a large creature or are unable to handle 30 years of feeding live prey, opt for a small school of neon tetras or a fluffy teddy bear hamster to better fit your small living space and lifestyle.

Exotic pet habitats

Each exotic pet species has specific habitat requirements to remain safe, comfortable, and healthy. While a cat or dog can curl up on the couch next to you, reptiles and amphibians require specific temperature and humidity levels to thrive. Exotic pets also often have specific lighting requirements and need bulbs that emit ultraviolet (UV) light. Therefore, before bringing home an exotic pet, determine their species’ particular needs for heat- and UV-emitting bulbs.

In addition, when planning an exotic pet’s habitat, you need to consider their enclosure’s ideal size. Although many exotic species are small, they require plenty of living space, as they will spend most of their time within their tank or cage. Factor in how large the pet may grow, and consider whether you can provide them with ample room to exercise, sleep, eat and drink, swim, and sun themself. The habitat may need to be tall, so your pet can climb or hide. The living space may also need to be large enough to have separate areas that contain water or a dry space. 

Habitat design and maintenance, including safe cleaning practices, are incredibly important to an exotic pet’s health and happiness. Research examples of your chosen species’ ideal habitat to determine whether you can replicate the perfect living space for them.

Exotic pet nutrition

A well-balanced diet is critical for keeping your exotic pet healthy. To learn how to satisfy your pet’s nutritional needs, reach out to an experienced exotic pet breeder or owner, or to your exotics veterinarian at The Old 41 Animal Hospital. Unfortunately, pet store employees and reptile-enthusiast websites are not the most factual information sources. If you do not feed an appropriate diet, your exotic pet is likely to experience numerous health issues, as these unique pets have exacting dietary requirements. 

Exotic pet handling

Exotic pets are usually not cuddly creatures. However, some reptiles enjoy your warm body temperature, and small mammals may like to hide in a cozy sweatshirt pocket. To avoid stressing your exotic pet or exposing them to pathogens, handle them minimally, especially amphibians because they absorb pathogens and toxins through their skin.

Exotic pet veterinary care

Like cats and dogs, exotic pets require regular veterinary care to remain healthy and to enable our team to detect your pet’s health issues during their earliest stages. Your exotics veterinarian at The Old 41 Animal Hospital can guide you on providing your pet’s ideal habitat, diet, care, and lifestyle to ensure your special pet lives their best life.

No matter the pet species that has claimed a place in your family, our team can provide them with the appropriate treatment. If your exotic pet needs veterinary care, contact our team at The Old 41 Animal Hospital.